Gua Lou Ren
Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Phlegm-Heat from the Lungs; Broadens the Chest and Dissipates Nodules; Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels; Promotes Tissue Regeneration and Heals Sores
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. (Cucurbitaceae) is a dioecious perennial climbing vine native to China, Korea, and Japan, with palmately 3-7 lobed leaves, branched tendrils, and small white flowers bearing deeply fringed petals. The orange-yellow ovoid fruits, 7-10 cm long, contain numerous flattened tan seeds known in Chinese medicine as Gua Lou Ren. Seeds are harvested in autumn from ripe fruits, rinsed, sun-dried, and often dry-fried before use. In TCM, Gua Lou Ren is sweet in flavor and cold in nature, entering the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine channels; it moistens the Lungs, transforms hot phlegm, moistens the intestines, and unbinds the chest.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Gua Lou Ren (trichosanthes seed) is a cool, oily herb that clears Phlegm-Heat from the Lungs and moistens the Intestines to relieve constipation. It is used for coughs with thick, yellow, difficult-to-expectorate phlegm from Lung Heat, chest tightness from Phlegm-Heat obstruction, and constipation from intestinal dryness. Unlike the peel of the same fruit (Gua Lou Pi), which focuses on chest Qi, the seed has a stronger moistening and Intestine-lubricating action alongside its Lung Phlegm-clearing properties.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.